🚫 UK spying kills Apple encryption

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Greetings! Your latest quick tech update is here:

☀️ On this day: On February 22, 1966, the Soviet Union launched Kosmos 110, a satellite carrying two dogs, Veterok and Ugolyok, into orbit. They remained in space for 22 days, setting a record for the longest spaceflight by dogs, which stood until human spaceflights surpassed it.

What’s happening:

• 🔐 Apple drops UK encryption over spying demands

• 🎓 PhD student expelled for alleged AI use

• 💰 Bybit hit by record $1.4B crypto hack

• 🚨 FBI warns of Ghost ransomware attacks

• 🤖 Another company developing household robots

• + 📊 Daily poll and results

• + 📈 Trending tools and resources

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Hand-picked news:

🔐 Apple drops UK encryption over spying demands ↗️LINK

• What: Apple has stopped offering its end-to-end encrypted iCloud storage, Advanced Data Protection (ADP), to UK users following government demands for backdoor access. Existing users will soon be required to disable the feature to continue using iCloud.

• Why: The UK government, under the Investigatory Powers Act, pressured Apple to provide access to encrypted backups. Apple refused to create a backdoor and instead opted to remove ADP for UK users.

• Impact: UK users now face weaker cloud security, making their data more accessible to Apple and law enforcement. The move raises concerns over digital privacy and government surveillance, with potential implications for other tech companies.

🎓 PhD student expelled for alleged AI use ↗️LINK

• What: Haishan Yang, a PhD student at the University of Minnesota, was expelled after being accused of using AI to cheat on an exam. Professors claimed his answers matched ChatGPT-generated responses, and an AI detector flagged his work. Yang denies the allegations and has filed lawsuits against the university.

• Why: Yang argues that the evidence was manipulated and that prior conflicts with faculty influenced the decision. His advisor supported him, calling the case unprecedented and biased.

• Impact: The case raises concerns about AI detection reliability and due process in academic integrity cases. The outcome could set legal precedents for AI use in education and student rights.

💰 Bybit hit by record $1.4B crypto hack ↗️LINK

• What: Crypto exchange Bybit confirmed a massive hack, losing 401,346 ETH (about $1.4 billion) from a compromised cold wallet. This marks the largest crypto theft in history, surpassing the Ronin and Poly Network breaches.

• Why: Hackers gained control of an offline wallet and transferred funds to an online wallet. Despite the loss, Bybit CEO Ben Zhou assured users the company remains solvent and can cover the stolen funds.

• Impact: This record-breaking theft raises concerns over crypto security, even for offline storage. It highlights the ongoing risks in the crypto industry and could lead to tighter regulations and security measures.

🚨 FBI warns of Ghost ransomware attacks ↗️LINK

• What: The FBI and CISA have issued a joint advisory about Ghost, a ransomware group targeting organizations in over 70 countries. Instead of phishing, Ghost exploits unpatched vulnerabilities in widely used software like Fortinet FortiOS, Adobe ColdFusion, Microsoft SharePoint, and Exchange.

• Why: Ghost attackers take advantage of outdated systems, bypassing traditional security measures. Experts stress the importance of timely patching, zero-trust frameworks, and stronger access controls to prevent breaches.

• Impact: The attacks highlight the growing risk of ransomware through unpatched software. The FBI urges organizations to back up data, patch vulnerabilities, segment networks, and implement phishing-resistant MFA immediately.

🤖 NEO Gamma: A robot that cleans & plays music ↗️LINK

• What: 1X Technologies has introduced NEO Gamma, a humanoid robot designed to assist with household tasks like cleaning, opening doors, and serving meals. It also doubles as a mobile speaker system with built-in AI for speech, movement, and object manipulation.

• Why: The robot combines advanced AI with human-like mobility to enhance convenience at home. It features soft-covered hands for safety, a 3D-printed nylon suit, and a quiet operation comparable to a refrigerator.

• Impact: NEO Gamma represents a step toward AI-powered home assistants, blending utility with entertainment. While pricing and release details remain unknown, consumers can join a waitlist for updates.

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Today’s Poll:

Vote and find out about the result tomorrow.

Yesterday’s Poll Result:

Do you think home-use humanoid robots will be affordable in the next decade?

• A) Yes – Costs will come down with better technology - 48%

• B) No – They’ll remain too expensive for most households - 52% 🏆

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